Oscar de la Renta may be paving the way for John Galliano to reenter the fashion world.

In a stunning development, de la Renta has invited the disgraced Galliano to spend some time with him in his New York design studio over the next three weeks, WWD has learned.

“John and I have known each other for many years and I am a great admirer of his talent,” de la Renta said. “He has worked long and hard on his recovery and I am happy to give him the opportunity to reimmerse himself in the world of fashion and reacclimate in an environment where he has been so creative.”

De la Renta’s move is certain to ignite controversy and consternation. If successful, it could mark the beginning of one of fashion’s biggest comebacks in memory — one that perhaps hasn’t been seen since Coco Chanel, and thought near impossible two years ago after the designer’s notorious drunken outbursts and anti-Semitic rants in a Paris cafe.

“I am an alcoholic,” Galliano said. “I have been in recovery for the past two years. Several years prior to my sobriety, I descended into the madness of the disease. I said and did things which hurt others, especially members of the Jewish community. I have expressed my sorrow privately and publicly for the pain which I caused, and I continue to do so. I remain committed to making amends to those I have hurt.”